Activities

Between Chamonix and Zermatt

Many alpine legends were written in a unique and wild setting, above Chamonix and Zermatt, the two prominent mountaineering capitals in the Alps.Among the official list of 82 summits towering as high as 4000 meters, 69 can be found in the Wallis and Mont-Blanc range. These mountains are the home of a strong mountain identity, that was nurtured through time in an incredible spectacle. It is an invitation to travelling up mountain passes and into alpine valleys.

This program is a selection of the most outstanding hikes the region has to offer. It starts in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, and reaches Zermatt, the home of the Matterhorn.

We take care of luggage transportation all along the trip, except for the first and last nights, spent in mountain huts.

Day 1 : Chamonix – Lac Blanc Mountain Hut Elevation gain: 900m Vertical loss 300mOur hiking adventure starts with a spectacular hike across the “Grand Balcon Sud” and unbelievable view of the Mont Blanc range just across the valley from us. The trail continues over mountain passes, Col Cornu then Col de la Glières. Along the way, views keep getting better while we admire the reflection of alpine glaciers in mountain lakes … We spend the night at Refuge du Lac Blanc, located in the Aiguilles Rouges mountain wildlife sanctuary. We carry our personal belongings in our backpack to spend the night at the hut.

Day 2 : Aiguillette des Posettes Elevation gain: 850m Vertical loss 1100mWe follow the trail across the protected wildlife area all the way to Col des Montets, the limit of the alpine wild life sanctuary. Then we hike up a pine and spruce forest to enjoy an incredible panorama from the top of Aiguillette des Posettes. Then we continue down and to the pass, and shortly after, we ride the gondola down to Vallorcine, the village far down in the valley. We transfer to Evolène, Switzerland, where we stay for the night.

Day 3 : Evolène - Zinal Elevation gain: 1250m Vertical loss 920mThe climb up to the Torrent Pass is pleasant and not too steep. It is in a picture postcard scenery that the trail descends towards Moiry Lake through the meadows, with the Dent Blanche as décor. The Dent Blanche appears in the distance with lush alpine pastures in the foreground : Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn. We hike down into Val d’Anniviers. We stay in a small hotel in Zinal.

Day 4 : Zinal - Grüben Elevation gain: 1220m Vertical loss 1050mAfter a steep hike into a superb larch and spruce forest, we quickly gain altitude to admire the Dent Blanche again, and later on the Ober Gabelhorn. We leave the French speaking part of the Wallis region behind us, to enter the German speaking area as we hike over the Forcletta Pass. Local names are different but the views are equally beautiful : the Bishorn and the Weisshorn, the Brunegg and Turtman glaciers. We finally reach the summer mountain hamlet of Grüben in the Turtman valley (Turtmantal), where we spend the night.

Day5 : Taësch Alp – Fluhalp Hut Elevation gain: 950m Vertical loss 555mAfter a 1h30 bus transfer, we reach Taësch Alp in the Mattertal valley. We start hiking through alpine pastures, while admiring amazing looking peaks around us: Weisshorn, Alphubel, Alallinhorn, and the Rimpfishlhorn glacier. Our trail gently leads to Pfulwe pass (3155 m). From there the view over the Monte Rosa summits leaves us speechless! Point Dufour, Breithorn, and the isolated yet a hikers’ favorite, namely the Matterhorn. We continue our descent along the impressively large Findelgletscher, until we reach Fluhalp hut where we spend the night. No access to our luggage.

Day 6 : Zermatt Elevation gain: 850m Vertical loss 350mWe hike down to Grüen Lake just at the foot of Hohälli peak. A very last climb through alpine pastures and scree leads to the alpine plateau of Riffelberg and Gornergrat cog train. We are in the Monterosa range and incredible mountain views surround us everywhere … The cog train takes us down to Zermatt, where modern mountain lifestyle cohabits with alpine tradition in a surprising harmony.

After a short visit through the narrow streets of Zermatt, a taxi takes us to our minivan and we transfer back to Chamonix.

The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.

2018 DATES : From Sunday to Friday. July 22th to 27st - July 29th to August 03rd- August 12th to 17th - August 26th to 31th and September 09rd to 14th.

2018 PRICE : 1075€ per person (6 people minimum)

Included in the package:- Guiding service and organization- Half-board in mountain hut (dormitories), basic hotel (double or twin room)- Picnics lunches- Lift passes- Transfers throughout the trek- Luggage transportation during the trek- Shuttle back to Chamonix

Not included:- Souvenirs and drinks (plan to have euros)- Repatriation insurance (mandatory)

WHY CHOOSE COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES :- An all-inclusive product - Only 6 to 12 people per group and mountain leader- Carefully selected accommodation- Local products for our take-out lunches- A taxi to transport our luggage during the trek- Truly mountain oriented our certified leaders are happy to share their knowledge and expertise in the guiding field

LEVEL : 4/5. Between Chamonix and Zermatt hiking trip is a strenuous trek. A minimum of 800m (2700ft) vertical gain and about 8 hours of hiking daily day. Hiking on maintained trails with off trail hiking sections, in scree and bouldery areas. Mountain terrain can involve difficult and exposed trails, for sure-footed hikers. Good physical training and multiday hiking experience on mountain trails are required.

ACCOMMODATION : 1 night at refuge du Lac Blanc (dorm, shower), 1 night at Fluhalp hut (2 or 4 bedroom, shower), 3 nights in a hotel (double room). Luggage transported by a taxi along the trip except on day 1 and day 5.* For people signing up alone, we cannot guarantee that you will share your room with a person of the same gender.

GUIDING : Each mountain leader guides groups of 12 people maximum. No booking accepted in our scheduled groups for people under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

MEETING PLACE : 8.30am at the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix, 190 place de l'église in Chamonix. You are welcome to come and meet your guide the evening before at our office at 6 pm.

INSURANCE :Repatriation insuranceis mandatory.Repatriation and cancellation insurance are available from our office.

TRAINING : Good physical condition will allow you to make the most of your holiday. A month before the hike at least, we suggest you walk upstairs, rather than use the elevator. During the weekends you can run, walk or ride your bike to train for the hike. Doing a medical check-up before signing for the trip is recommended. Your guide should be informed of any medical treatment.CLIMATE : Alpine weather can change suddenly, involving wide temperature variations. Temperatures also drop with altitude, and snow falls in summer are not rare. A high pressure moving in can also bring in cool air. You should anyhow bring warm clothes and be prepared for cold or very hot weather, while minimizing additional weight gain.

Please, feel free to contact Anaïs the Compagnie des Guides for any further information.

You are a private group, you can ask for a customized trip, and have your own guide !

ADVANTAGES :- Exclusive guideA more individualized relationship between your group and the professional.

- Choose your date of departureYou can choose your date of departure within the limit of the hut availabilities.

- Flexibility all along the tripDepending on weather conditions, your level and your expectations, the guide can suggest you some different options of itinerary.